Longford SFC: Mullinalaghta through to the quarter-finals after beating Abbeylara
Peter Hanley Motors Senior Football Championship Group B - Round 3
Mullinalaghta St Columba’s . . . 2-11 Abbeylara . . . 1-11
David McGivney’s goal just before half-time proved to be the difference while Abbeylara were left to rue missed chances near the end when they kicked a few poor wides but are still looking good to reach the last eight after winning their previous two games in the group stage.
In their final attack in the hope of snatching a last gasp equalising goal, Mel Brady played the ball into the square but Patrick Fox was able to claim possession and avert the danger.
Mullinalaghta, who were also guilty of some poor finishing, led by 2-7 to 1-5 at the break with Jayson Matthews scoring the first goal in the 26th minute.
MULLINALAGHTA ST COLUMBA’S: David O’Rourke; Simon Cadam, Patrick Fox, Francis Mulligan; Gary Rogers, Brendan Fox, Connor Leonard (0-1,’45); David McGivney (1-1), John Keegan; James McGivney (0-1), Aidan McElligott (0-1), Cian Mackey (0-1); Jayson Matthews (1-3, one point from mark), Mickey Cunningham, Rian Brady (0-3).
ABBEYLARA: Gavin Kelly; Bryan Masterson, Fergal Battrim, Michael McHugh; Mel Brady, Cian Brady (0-1), Cathal Lynch; Colm E Smyth (0-1), Colm P Smyth; Nigel Rabbitt (0-4, all frees), Willie Crawford (0-1), Reece Reilly (0-1); Robbie Smyth (1-2, points from frees), Jason Kelly, Ciaran Scanlon (0-1).
Subs:- Russell Brady for CE Smyth and Bernard Crawford for W Crawford (39 mins); Padraig Berry for R Reilly (50 mins); Kieran Mulvihill for J Kelly (56 mins); Matthew Quinn for C Lynch (59 mins).
Referee: Patrick Maguire (St Mary’s, Granard).